Why do you show???
 

I just watched the Eukanuba dog show and saw that the winner got $50,000. Now I know that it's a long shot but wondering for those that show..... what exactly do you get out of it? Is it the thrill? Are you hoping to one day win the Eukanuba? Is it the recognition from your peers? What is it that you get out of showing (aside from an empty checkbook)? :p

Along with having my breeding stock evaluated, it is kind of like asking someone why do you play basket ball or why do you like to play golf? It's something that I enjoy doing from time to time. I don't care what my peers think about it. It's for me and my daughter.
And yes it can certainly be a thrill when a dog you've worked so hard with does well. Anyone who is passionate about any kind of activity gets a thrill from it when they do well in their chosen field.
Showing dogs of any breed is a sport. That didn't really sink in with me a couple years ago when I first started...until I had to have my first shot of cortisone in my knee.

So you enjoy the thrill of winning? Or is it just exciting to be part of it, even if you don't win? And is it different if you are the breeder - seems like that that might be even more satisfying.....

It's a satisfying hobby for me even when I don't win. And I've lost much more than I've won so far. I grew up in a show horse family. I spent alot of weekends on the show grounds in horse trailers with sleeping quarters. I guess it's just something in my blood. I hate golf! LOL!

I can't speak for others but I don't think it would be any different for me if I weren't a breeder. If it's something you like to do that's all that matters. I could be just as happy going in the ring with any breed and I have handled dogs other than yorkies. I really enjoy the entire aspect of it all.

OH I enjoy showing!! It's a passion! Some do it to have their breeding stock evaluated but me I love the sport. I don't care whether or not I win the big one but to know I can compete with everyone is so enjoyable! I'd rather show than breed! I love the excitement of the dog shows, the dogs, the atmosphere and just taking it all in! I love my yorkies and to know I can show them off is just exhilerating to me! And then the bonus comes if you end up breeding your first champion and maybe that first best in show one day!

Donna Bird
Brooklynn's Yorkshire Terriers

I like to show!!! Its nerve-racking and fun at the same time. Its nice to have my dogs evaluated and fun to watch others too!!! It makes a nice outing on the week-ends to spend time with the dogs and just talk dogs. Of course, there is the shopping too!!!!! But my primary goal is to consistantly breed dogs that can sucessfully compete in the show ring and are healthy and happy and would be great as a pet also. And yes, a Eukanuba win would be wonderful too!!!!LOL

You have do have passion to be in the show world...otherwise why do it. I love to be in the ring with my dog and that bond that we have build together through showing. Whether I win or lose, I just enjoy the whole show enviornment...I love to just sit and watch other dogs in the rings and it puts a smile on your face even when you seen someone you don't know finish a dog b/c you can still remember that feeling. It is a sport like any other, no we don't make money (unless you are a professional handler) but we do it b/c we love to put our dogs out there and have fun. It is the same as agility or obedience...it is something that creates a bond between you and the dog.

The moment you enter the ring for the first time, you know why people get hooked...you have the judge look at your dog and know that you have put the time and energy into getting there. I love training the dog to learn to stack and walk on a lead, I love grooming the dog and taking care of the coat and well-being of the dog, and I love that feeling right before you go in the ring when you are not sure if you are going to win but that chance is always there!! I would continue to show even if I never made a single dime from it...the thrill of just being in the ring is enough for me!!

Because I absolutely LOVE it!!!!!!!!!! LOL
I know a lot of people who show their dogs because they think they have to but they hate doing it...

For me...it is a rewarding sport and social experience! I really think I could do it every weekend..lol. If there ever comes a time when I do not enjoy it...I will stop! Until then I am having the time of my life!

I love showing too. I love being at the shows and working with my dogs. I have a ball socializing and have met so many nice people. I love the education that it has brought into my breeding program. I watch my little show hopefuls and it just thrills me to see them stack themselves just so or grab a toy and prance across the room carrying that straight topline as they move. It kinda comes in and takes over your life, gets into everything that you do. It's definitely a passion and I wouldn't have it any other way.

I just love it.
I love having a hobby that's all about my dogs, rather than one where you have to leave them at home.

Over the years I've made many wonderful friends who are as obsessed with dogs as I am.

It's lovely to win, of course it is, but win or lose you know that at the end of the day you're still going home with the best dogs in the world :)

The VERY best feeling is winning with one you've bred yourself, especially when you've bred their parents, grandparents........ :D

I show for fun. I love to pack the car on Fri afternoon and take off to some wonderful place for a fun weekend with my friends and my dogs.

I also get a lot of joy from mentoring a new person and then watching them get their first big win. I feel like their dog is my dog and their win is my win!

Just let me know if you ever want to come on up to the shows in Saratoga Springs. :)

We watch the dog shows whenever there is one on TV. I am wondering why we don't see Yorkies winning the toy breed area. Are Yorkies harder to show than some other dogs? I heard that it has been many, many years since a Yorkie has won the championship at one of the big shows. I appreciate what you all do, and it must be a very hard work. What is your take on this?

Some breeds win more than others. I think Wire Fox Terriers win more Best in Shows than any other breed. I know this is the breed that has the most BIS at Westminster. As much as I hate to admit it - money has a lot to do with it. I have a friend that had the #1 Bulldog for several years and she said they spent $150,000 a year to campaign the dog. A few years ago there was a Doberman that had his own jet. This year, there is a sporting dog that advertises his jet in Canine Chronicle. Bill Cosby regularly campaigns a dog. Amy Tan the author co-owns the Yorkie, Tip Top Come Fly With Me. He had money behind him and he had a good career. The Yorkie, Tyava Sure Shot has done well. He had 3 All Breed Best in Shows last year and got Group placements at some of the bigger televised shows.